A tragedy occurred on Friday in Picos de Europa National Park: a woman died after falling into a river on one of the region’s most popular mountain trails. The incident took place in the Canal del Texu area, located in the municipality of Cabrales, Asturias. The reasons for the fall are still unknown, and the circumstances are under investigation.
At around 1:30 p.m., emergency services received a distress call. A man reported that his companion and their dog had fallen while descending the trail that connects the villages of Bulnes and Poncebos. He said that after the fall, he could neither see nor hear the woman, raising serious concerns for her safety.
A rescue team was quickly dispatched to the scene by helicopter. Using special equipment, one firefighter was lowered down to the river to reach the victim. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the rescuer found the woman already underwater. Her injuries were incompatible with life.
Rescue Operation and Emergency Services Response
The rescue operation involved not only firefighters but also a specialized mountain search and rescue team. Once it was determined the woman had died, members of the Civil Guard joined the effort to recover the body from the river. In such situations, rescue work is complicated by the difficult terrain and the swift currents of mountain rivers.
The dog, which also fell together with the woman, was reportedly found alive, though its condition remains unknown. The man who reported the incident was unharmed but in a state of severe shock.
Dangerous section of the route and recent incidents
The Canal del Tejo is a popular destination for tourists and hiking enthusiasts. However, this area is known for its difficulty and danger, especially in wet weather or after rainfall when the trail becomes slippery. Over the past year, several accidents have already occurred here: last autumn, a man died in this very area and a woman suffered serious injuries due to a rockfall. Two months ago, another hiker was also injured by falling rocks.
Local authorities and rescue services regularly remind hikers about the need for caution on mountain trails, especially in challenging weather conditions. Despite these warnings, the number of incidents on the popular trails of Picos de Europa remains high.
Response and safety measures
The tragedy has once again drawn attention to safety concerns on hiking trails in the mountains of Asturias. Experts advise thorough preparation before hikes, choosing suitable gear, and following the advice of experienced guides. Extra attention should be paid to weather conditions and the state of the trail before setting out.
Picos de Europa attracts thousands of tourists every year, and most routes here are considered safe if basic rules are followed. However, even experienced travelers are not immune to accidents, especially on challenging sections that require maximum focus and caution.
